Different Roof Types: The Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Asphalt Shingle Roofs

• Asphalt 3-tab shingles are among the cheapest roofing materials. The cost for asphalt shingle roofing ranges from $1.50 or $5.50 for each square foot. Architectural asphalt shingles can also be an option but at a more expensive price, ranging from $22 to $28 for a square foot.

• Asphalt shingles are cheap to set up. They can be slapped directly over shingles that are old, provided the decking is in good working order.

• Asphalt shingles are deemed Class A fire-resistant, which means they can stand up to fire for up to 2 hours. If you are in a region that is susceptible to fire, you should discuss the roofing options with your contractor, as different roofing options might be superior to asphalt.

• They are easily accessible at many home improvement shops.

Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingle Roofs

• Asphalt shingles have the least life of the roofing materials listed in this article. The asphalt shingle roof is expected to last between 15 and 30 years, while other roofing materials could last 50 years or longer.

• Asphalt shingles are prone to intense winds, heat, or storm damages.

• Although asphalt shingles are recyclable and are often used for pavements--they are not considered to be eco-friendly. Making these shingles produces lots of greenhouse gas emissions.

Advantages of Wood Roofs

• The wood roof has a longer lifespan than asphalt roofing, lasting for up to about 25 to 30 years. The life span of the cedar roof is highly dependent on your climate as well as the kind of wood you choose to use, as well as the amount of wood used in the cutting.

• Wooden shingles can be visually appealing to homeowners due to their natural appearance.

• Wood and cedar roofing shingles weigh lower than the other roof types, such as slate or clay; however, they provide durability and protection from moisture.

• The shingles made of wood are eco-friendly and biodegradable, natural materials.

Disadvantages of Wood Roofs

• The shingles made of wood can be more costly than other roofing styles. They can cost between $4.50 and $9.00 for each square foot.

• Wooden shingles require an additional regular fire suppression and are sometimes banned by your locality because of fire safety concerns. Discuss with your builder if you reside in an area that is prone to fire.

• Shakes and shingles made of wood require regular treatment with fungicides and preservatives in order to prevent roofing from drying and warping, cracking, and also attracting mildew.

Advantages of Metal Roofing

• Metal roofing is an umbrella term that includes diverse materials like aluminum, steel, and copper.

• Metal materials come in a variety of styles and over 100 colors that match all styles of architecture. Metallic coatings and factory-installed paints can also improve the durability of your home.

• Metal roofs are renowned for their long-lasting properties, up to 60 years.

• The roofing material made of metal is resistant to fire. Metal roofing also reduces your insurance premiums due to its resistance to fire.

• A metal roof can also boost the resale value of the home.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

• Metal roofing is a major home improvement for homeowners. The cost of materials can be as low as $7.00 up to $9.00 each square foot, and installing an aluminum roof could cost anywhere from $21,000 to $50,000.

• Homeowners must find a licensed and highly skilled expert contractor that specializes in metal roofing.